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Message no. 1
From: Steven A. Tinner bluewizard@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 01:15:46 -0500
I've been recently reading Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHayes excellent series of
"Left Behind" novels, and the most recent "Apollyon" has given me a
little
inspiration for a VERY offbeat SR campaign.

<PoliticalCorrectness/on>
Before I go any further, let me state that I present this as a possible SR
campgin for those interested, NOT to step on anyone's religous beliefs.
The stories told in these books DO coincide with my personal beliefs.
I can tolerate yours if you can tolerate mine, OK?
PLEASE, let's NOT start some heated debate over religion. My beliefs are
posted at http://listen.to/tinner on the Personal Page. You're not gonna
change them. I'm not trying to change yours here.
<PoliticalCorrectness/off>

OK, that's done. ;-)

To summarize a five book series (so far) is a daunting task, especially
since this one is based on the Bible, but here goes.

The Bible, and the Book of Revelation is completely true.
One day, nearly 10% of the world's population simply vanishes.
Those who have studied the Bible, as well as the current world situation
realize the prophecies of Revelation are taking place immediately.
All the beleivers have been removed from the world. Naturally some people
left behind realize what has happened, they missed out the first time
around, and are determined not to miss their second chance.

The series is better explained at http://www.leftbehind.com

Anywho for an SR campaign, you won't tell the players what has happened
anyway.
Most of the fun will come from the players learning what has REALLY
happened, and reacting to it.
At first, the game will be mainly about survival.
After all, think of the colossal damages done if 10% of the world's
population just vanished in the wink of an eye!?!!
Plane crashes, riots, fires, entire highways and cities unable to move.
Once things return to "normal" the game will shift into a more introspective
mode.
How will the PC's discover the truth?
How will they react to things like ...

1 - The formation of One World Government?
2 - "Judgements" sent by God against the Earth - ie. Asteroid crashes,
waters turned to blood, 33% less daylight. One third of the stars vanish
from the sky, etc.
3 - The fact that they WERE "left behind" due to their lack of faith?
4 - Reconciling the abilities (esp. Mages and Shamans) with the reality of
one true God?
5 - God's offer of a Second Chance at Salvation? Will they all accept? If
not, how will those that do treat/be treated by those that don't?
6 - Religous persecution?
7 - LITERAL Demonic Attacks?

OK, I realize this is some heady stuff for an RPG. But let's be honest. SR
has handled issues like racism and sexual preference in a mature manner.
IMO a mature group could really have a unique, but very enjoyable campaign
set in this scenario.

I welcome your comments, but will gleefully ignore any flames, or trolls for
"My faith is better than your faith!" ;-)

Steven A. Tinner
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 2
From: Ken KSchrader@********.net
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 01:15:57 -0500
Sounds pretty cool. Better play with chars you don't mind losing cuz at the
end of the game..one way or the other, they're out of action...unless maybe
the world(i.e. earth) isn't physically destroyed..then the chars might be
able to escape into space...low level orbit until things blow over..or you
could take the space thing in other directions...

-----Original Message-----
From: shadowrn-admin@*********.org
[mailto:shadowrn-admin@*********.org]On Behalf Of Steven A. Tinner
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 1999 1:16 AM
To: ShadowRN
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)


I've been recently reading Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHayes excellent series of
"Left Behind" novels, and the most recent "Apollyon" has given me a
little
inspiration for a VERY offbeat SR campaign.

<PoliticalCorrectness/on>
Before I go any further, let me state that I present this as a possible SR
campgin for those interested, NOT to step on anyone's religous beliefs.
The stories told in these books DO coincide with my personal beliefs.
I can tolerate yours if you can tolerate mine, OK?
PLEASE, let's NOT start some heated debate over religion. My beliefs are
posted at http://listen.to/tinner on the Personal Page. You're not gonna
change them. I'm not trying to change yours here.
<PoliticalCorrectness/off>

OK, that's done. ;-)

To summarize a five book series (so far) is a daunting task, especially
since this one is based on the Bible, but here goes.

The Bible, and the Book of Revelation is completely true.
One day, nearly 10% of the world's population simply vanishes.
Those who have studied the Bible, as well as the current world situation
realize the prophecies of Revelation are taking place immediately.
All the beleivers have been removed from the world. Naturally some people
left behind realize what has happened, they missed out the first time
around, and are determined not to miss their second chance.

The series is better explained at http://www.leftbehind.com

Anywho for an SR campaign, you won't tell the players what has happened
anyway.
Most of the fun will come from the players learning what has REALLY
happened, and reacting to it.
At first, the game will be mainly about survival.
After all, think of the colossal damages done if 10% of the world's
population just vanished in the wink of an eye!?!!
Plane crashes, riots, fires, entire highways and cities unable to move.
Once things return to "normal" the game will shift into a more introspective
mode.
How will the PC's discover the truth?
How will they react to things like ...

1 - The formation of One World Government?
2 - "Judgements" sent by God against the Earth - ie. Asteroid crashes,
waters turned to blood, 33% less daylight. One third of the stars vanish
from the sky, etc.
3 - The fact that they WERE "left behind" due to their lack of faith?
4 - Reconciling the abilities (esp. Mages and Shamans) with the reality of
one true God?
5 - God's offer of a Second Chance at Salvation? Will they all accept? If
not, how will those that do treat/be treated by those that don't?
6 - Religous persecution?
7 - LITERAL Demonic Attacks?

OK, I realize this is some heady stuff for an RPG. But let's be honest. SR
has handled issues like racism and sexual preference in a mature manner.
IMO a mature group could really have a unique, but very enjoyable campaign
set in this scenario.

I welcome your comments, but will gleefully ignore any flames, or trolls for
"My faith is better than your faith!" ;-)

Steven A. Tinner
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 3
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 01:56:34 EST
<< I've been recently reading Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHayes excellent series
of
"Left Behind" novels, and the most recent "Apollyon" has given me a
little
inspiration for a VERY offbeat SR campaign.

<PoliticalCorrectness/on>
Before I go any further, let me state that I present this as a possible SR
campgin for those interested, NOT to step on anyone's religous beliefs.
The stories told in these books DO coincide with my personal beliefs.
I can tolerate yours if you can tolerate mine, OK?
PLEASE, let's NOT start some heated debate over religion. My beliefs are
posted at http://listen.to/tinner on the Personal Page. You're not gonna
change them. I'm not trying to change yours here.
<PoliticalCorrectness/off>
>>

Fair enough. I've never believed in letting religious beliefs stand in
the way of a good story, and the books do sound pretty cool. Any dead rising
from the grave?



Twist
Message no. 4
From: MC23 mc23@**********.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 99 10:04:09 -0500
Once upon a time, Steven A. Tinner wrote;

>OK, I realize this is some heady stuff for an RPG. But let's be honest. SR
>has handled issues like racism and sexual preference in a mature manner.
>IMO a mature group could really have a unique, but very enjoyable campaign
>set in this scenario.

I hope you have enough understanding of your players beliefs before
you start this. This is something I wouldn't play in or at least become
too disruptive in.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Ancient cultures believed that names held great power, personal names
more so and they were guarded very closely. To protect themselves, they
answered to another name, because if another discovered their real name,
it could be used against them.
History repeats itself.
Welcome to the Digital Age.
I am MC23
Message no. 5
From: JonSzeto@***.com JonSzeto@***.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 00:07:21 EST
"Steven A. Tinner" <bluewizard@*****.com> wrote,

> <PoliticalCorrectness/on>
> Before I go any further, let me state that I present this as a possible SR
> campgin for those interested, NOT to step on anyone's religous beliefs.
> The stories told in these books DO coincide with my personal beliefs.
> I can tolerate yours if you can tolerate mine, OK?
> PLEASE, let's NOT start some heated debate over religion. My beliefs are
> posted at http://listen.to/tinner on the Personal Page. You're not gonna
> change them. I'm not trying to change yours here.
> <PoliticalCorrectness/off>

Still some scorch marks from Alan Gillespie's rant in Scrawls, eh, Tinner? ;-)

-- Jon
Message no. 6
From: Steven A. Tinner bluewizard@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 01:22:33 -0500
> Fair enough. I've never believed in letting religious beliefs stand
in
>the way of a good story, and the books do sound pretty cool. Any dead
rising
>from the grave?

Yep. Moses and Elijah come back to earth to preach.
They are granted a whole TON of heavenly power to do so - basically, anyone
who so much as threatens them is vaporized instantly.
Oh yeah, they also gain the ability to control the weather, turn water to
blood, live for years without food or drink, and project their voice without
electronics to a range of several miles. ;-)

Steven A. Tinner
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 7
From: Steven A. Tinner bluewizard@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 01:24:50 -0500
> I hope you have enough understanding of your players beliefs before
>you start this. This is something I wouldn't play in or at least become
>too disruptive in.

Definately. I would plan on explaining the whole concept to the players
before running it.
I would ideally like to play it with a group that shares my beliefs.

On a related topic ... you think a campaign like this would stop all that
"Roleplaying is of Satan: stuff? ;-)

Steven A. Tinner
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 8
From: Steven A. Tinner bluewizard@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 01:26:58 -0500
>Sounds pretty cool. Better play with chars you don't mind losing cuz at
the
>end of the game..one way or the other, they're out of action...unless maybe
>the world(i.e. earth) isn't physically destroyed..then the chars might be
>able to escape into space...low level orbit until things blow over..or you
>could take the space thing in other directions...

Well, according to the book of Revelation the earth becomes home of the
Millennial Kingdom, and Christ reigns for 1000 years as King at the end, so
until the VERY end, the earth is NOT destroyed.
Also, anyone who chooses to follow Christ at that time, will be granted
eternal life.

Of course if the PC's don;t choose that, or die before they have that
chance, then yeah .. they are pretty much toast .. in the burning forever
sense that it! ;-)

Steven A. Tinner
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 9
From: Penta cpenta@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 01:20:57 -0800
Steven A. Tinner wrote:

> > I hope you have enough understanding of your players beliefs before
> >you start this. This is something I wouldn't play in or at least become
> >too disruptive in.
>
> Definately. I would plan on explaining the whole concept to the players
> before running it.
> I would ideally like to play it with a group that shares my beliefs.
>
> On a related topic ... you think a campaign like this would stop all that
> "Roleplaying is of Satan: stuff? ;-)

Nope. Only exacerbate it. Hell, if nobody else knows...Some of those types sued
a CT school system cuz the school let kids play Magic, saying it was
Satanic.....Ye GODS. What the HELL ever happened to Tinker vs. Des Moines?

John
Message no. 10
From: Steven A. Tinner bluewizard@*****.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 01:31:26 -0500
>Still some scorch marks from Alan Gillespie's rant in Scrawls, eh, Tinner?
;-)

Oh yeah!
I had forgotten all that!

In your opinion, did that whole thing honestly come off that "preachy?"
Because I certainly never intended to sound like a ... what did he call me?
Oh yes a "brainwashed acolyte," ... I knew there was a reason I got out of
that group! ;-)
Grrrrrrr ...

You are correct though, that was exactly the type of response I am looking
to avoid.

Steven "How come I have to be open minded about your Osiris Worship, but you
don't have to be open minded about my Jesus Worship?" Tinner ;-)
bluewizard@*****.com
http://listen.to/Tinner
"9 points for word usage, and a cookie for using the term "Gygaxian
Whore"."
Message no. 11
From: Ereskanti@***.com Ereskanti@***.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 10:25:42 EST
In a message dated 2/28/1999 1:21:23 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
bluewizard@*****.com writes:

>
> On a related topic ... you think a campaign like this would stop all that
> "Roleplaying is of Satan: stuff? ;-)
>
In short Tinner, NO, it would not. If anything, it might escalate the
concept.

-K
Message no. 12
From: Ereskanti@***.com Ereskanti@***.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 10:25:08 EST
In a message dated 2/28/1999 1:19:20 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
bluewizard@*****.com writes:

>
> Yep. Moses and Elijah come back to earth to preach.
> They are granted a whole TON of heavenly power to do so - basically, anyone
> who so much as threatens them is vaporized instantly.
> Oh yeah, they also gain the ability to control the weather, turn water to
> blood, live for years without food or drink, and project their voice
without
> electronics to a range of several miles. ;-)

Gosh Tinner, suddenly you've come up with more stuff for Winternight. Or
should I say a reversal way of engineering them?

Control Weather. Let me just say now that Critters and Free Spirits are the
best way to actually approach this, and not magic used by "metahumans".

Turn Water to Blood is a (relatively) simple transformation.

And "Voice Throwing" has been a spell here for years...hell, it's been used as
a means of communication...

-K
Message no. 13
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 10:52:29 EST
In a message dated 99-02-28 01:28:22 EST, Tinner writes:

<< "How come I have to be open minded about your Osiris Worship, but you
don't have to be open minded about my Jesus Worship?" >>


Not to start a long and tired controversy, but I think it's because most of
these new age religions don't say that the people who refuse to believe in
them will burn in Hell for all eternity. Some find that insulting. I guess
it takes all kinds.




Twist
Message no. 14
From: Stuart M. Willis hbiki@****.geocities.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:40:57 +1100
Steven Tinner doth speweth:

>I've been recently reading Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHayes excellent series of
>"Left Behind" novels, and the most recent "Apollyon" has given me
a little
>inspiration for a VERY offbeat SR campaign.

I have used the Book of Revelations as the basis for a campaign - we had
demons running hellbent on summoning Apollyon - and I am quite the athiest.

It is a good idea regardless of one's religious beliefs. :-)

>The Bible, and the Book of Revelation is completely true.
>One day, nearly 10% of the world's population simply vanishes.
>Those who have studied the Bible, as well as the current world situation
>realize the prophecies of Revelation are taking place immediately.
>All the beleivers have been removed from the world. Naturally some people
>left behind realize what has happened, they missed out the first time
>around, and are determined not to miss their second chance.

You could probably tie this in with the Horrors quite easily [nod]. and
that would make it less offbeat, and more well integrated with the
Shadowrun world (and prehistory).

care,
s.

---------------------------------------------------------
to err is human. to forgive is not company policy.

egoshrine: http://www.geocities.com/Paris/LeftBank/8905/
ICQ: 4340513
Dangermedia Guild Assassin: http://dangermedia.com
The Net is Not a TV: http://dangermedia.org/nntv/
---------------------------------------------------------
Message no. 15
From: Marizhavashti Kali xenya@********.com
Subject: Shadowrun: Left Behind (Not for the Meek)
Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999 02:08:01 -0800
Steven A. Tinner wrote:
>
> OK, I realize this is some heady stuff for an RPG. But let's be honest. SR
> has handled issues like racism and sexual preference in a mature manner.
> IMO a mature group could really have a unique, but very enjoyable campaign
> set in this scenario.

Definitely.

Ever hear of "Rapture: The Second Coming?" 'Twas an RPG based on a similar
premise, but much darker.

> I welcome your comments, but will gleefully ignore any flames, or trolls for
> "My faith is better than your faith!" ;-)

I prefer to separate my religion from my RPG. :-) Meaning - whatever the
cosmology is, that's fine as long as it's fun. This looks like fun.

--
Deird'Re M. Brooks | xenya@********.com | cam#9309026
Lydia M. (Brujah) |Verdandi Anagnosis (Legion of Fate)
Madelynne (Malkavian)|Anjelika Cass (undisclosed)
http://www.teleport.com/~xenya

Further Reading

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